Art and History
The National Gallery
The National Gallery on Merrion Square was opened in 1864 and houses many fine pieces of art. Irish art is strongly emphasized, but there is equal representation accommodated to all of the major European schools of art. More than 7,000 works are on display in the gallery! Paintings, Drawings & Sculptures, and there are special exhibitions which are changed regularly. Admission to the gallery is free and group tours are available with prior booking.
See www.nationalgallery.ie for further details.
The National Museum
Located on Kildare Street the Museum Opened its doors in 1890 as a result of the merging of a number of collections, the National Museum contains artifacts and antiquities dating from 2000 BC right up to the 20th Century. The collections include such famous artifacts as the Ardagh Chalice and the Tara Brooch. Open Tuesday to Sunday admission is free.
See www.museum.ie for further details.
St. Patrick's Cathedral
St Patrick's Cathedral stands on the oldest Christian site in Dublin, a church has stood on the site since 450 AD, and the original building was replaced by the present one in 1191. (It is the largest church in Ireland). Memorials to celebrated Irish people are plentiful in the Cathedral; the famous Author of Gulliver’s travels Jonathan Swift is buried in the Cathedral along with memorials to Douglas Hyde and Erskine Childers, former presidents of Ireland.
See www.stpatrickscathedral.ie for further details.